Refrigeration



ApriF30, 1940. Y. A. LENNING 2,199,077

' REFRIGERA'TIO):

Filed `New. 1, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INvENToR April 30, 1940. A. LENNING 2.199.077

mvENToR ATroRNEY April 30,. 1940. A, LVENN|NG 2,199,077

REFRIGERATION Filed nov.' 1. 1952 4 sheets-sheet 4 MA1-mann Patented Apr. 30, 1940 UNITED 'STATI-:s PATENT -ori-lcs REFRIGERATION Alvar Lenning, Stockholm, Sweden, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Servei, Inc., Dover, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application ovember 1, 1932, Serial No. 640,583 v l /5i` claims. (ci. cs2-119.5)

This application is a continuation in part of of the invention having a so-called iiooded evapmy copending application, Serial No. 506,591, orator; )A l filed Jan. 5, 1931. Fig. 3 is a similar view of another embodiment My invention relates generally to reirigeraof my invention in which circulation between 5 tion; more specifically to refrigeration systems generator and absorber is produced by a thermo- 5 of the absorption type; and still more particusyphon; and larly to systems employing a pressure compen- Fig. 4 is a similar view of still another emsating iiuid. bodiment of my invention employing an inter- Among the objects of my invention are: to mittent circulation between generator and ab- '10 provide an operable refrigerating system utisorber. 10 lizing a plurality of refrigerants; to provide ap- The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 comprises a paratus for and method of separating complegenerator I0, which may be heated in any dementary refrigerants; to provide 'a novel system sired way, as by an electric heater II` inserted in which pressures are balanced by liquid colin the iiue I2 extending through the generator.-

'I5 umn; to provide novel absorption apparatus; to 'I'he generator is a vertically disposed cylindriprovide efficient liquid circulation in a system opcal vessel. Connected to the upper part of the erable withoutmoving parts; to 'provide a system generator is a conduit I3, the upper end 0f Which in which pressure compensating fluid is forced is connected to a condenser. I4. Condenser is through liquid, and more particularly absorption cooled by water owing through the tube I5. It

30 liquid; to provide novel features of apparatus will beunderstood that other cooling means may 20 and method in heat exchange and gas and liquid be employed. 'I he condenser tube and the water contact; to provide a system in which a pressure tube l5 are side by slde and wound into a coil.

rise in circulating fluid is utilized to promote cir- In conduit I3 are some baiiies I6, and anges Il culation; to provide a system in which oircumare secured outside this conduit. Bailies I6 and 5 tion of both absorption liquid and pressure flanges I'I constitute a rectier. Any form of 25 equalizing fluid is produced by a single factor, rectifier may be used, and while the rectifier more particularly pressure in a local circuit be- Shown is air-cooled, it may equally well be water tween an evaporator and an absorber, and still C00led. more particularly by liquid column; to provide Condenser Il is connected to a chamber I8, the

130 an absorber having the function of a boilerlfto COYldenSel Pipe pljeting thereintO- A @Onduil 30 take care of excess iiuid not in transit in a-re- |9iS Connected t0 chamber I8 and extends verfrigeration system; to provide for maintenance tcally dOWnWard and, iS Connected t0 an evapof temperature differential for separation of orator 20, which is a hollow cylindrical vessel fluids, more particularly of an absorber; to prowith rounded ends and which contains distrib- 5,5. vide a no movingrpart refrigeration system par. uting discs or bailles 2l having apertures there-"35 ticularly adapted to operate at relatively high n- The apelluls are Surrounded by raised rimsf evaporator temperature; to provide an emcient and thus@ in adlacent are out of Vertical propane-ammonia system; to provide a system, alignment having an absorber heated at an upper part and A conduit 22 is connected to the bottom of theA ug." cooled at a lower part for condensation and re evaporator and to an absorber 23, which is also140 a cylindrical vessel with rounded ends. A trans-H evaporatmn of la rlfneant tss poviqe nly verse plate 24 it situated Within the absorber means for applymg ea o ein a or er m W u? above the connection of conduit 22 thereto, and

a refrigerant has condensed, and others as will I this plate has a single centrally disposed aperture. hemafter appear therethrough formed 'by a tube 25. Above plate 45 Reference may be had t0 the accompanymg 2l and tube 25 is a number of baiiles 26 similarv drawings forming part of this specification, and to the bames in the evaporaton The apertures' 0f Which: in bafiles 26 are also out of vertical alignment.

Fig. 1 is a vertical elevational view, partly in' i A nduit 21 extends vertically up from the top fr section, showing One form 0f refrigeration SyS- of the absorb'er and its upper end is connected 50 tem embodying the inVenOIl in Which Vapor to a second condenser 28 similar to condenser I l. passing from the evaporator to the absorber Condenser 28 is cooled by a water pipe 29. Concauses circulation between the generator and the denser 28 is connected at its other end to a chamabsorber; ber 30, the condenser tube projecting therein'to. 5;; Fig. 2 is a similar view of another embodiment A conduit 3l extends downwardly from chamber 5l 3l and, like conduit I9, is connected to the evap orator above bailles 2|. J

A conduit 32 connects a low point ofgenerator Ill with the bottom of the absorber. Conduit 32 extends, for part of its length, within a conduit 33; Conduit 38 connects a point in the absorber above bailles 2l with a point in generator I0 above the' connection of conduit 32 thereto. Where these conduits pass within each other lo they form a liquid heat exchanger.

Connected at the tops of chambers I8 and 30 are pipes II and 3l. A cross-connection 31 is connected between pipes I5 and A charging valve Il is connected to cross-connection 31. i5 4velvesi-e provided in pipes u and :s to permit shutting of! communication between the same and cross-connection 31. Other valves may be provided for charging 'or discharging or testing the apparatus' auch as the vvalve shown at the bottom of the absorber.

A coil 32 surrounds the absorber. Cooling water may pass through this coil, but when using the substances hereinattei specifically referred lto with which I have operated this apparatus, it

is possible to operate the apparatus without passing any cooling water through this coil. Whether the absorber is cooled by an external medium or not, the heat liberated by the absorption of the ammonia must be removed. 'I'his can', in case of such non-cooling of the absorber by an external medium, be effected by means of an evaporation process in the absorber, as will be fur-A ther descrlbed ow.

Gage glasses ay be applied to the various 3'5 vessels and pi y to'determine heights of liquid, d a pressure, gage may be connected to the top of the evaporator or other suitable place.

The apparatus is charged with ammonia as a primary refrigerating agent, propane as an auxiliary refrigerating agent and pressure compensating or equalizing fluid, and distilled water as `an absorption liquid. The apparatus should be u', charged so that, in operation, the liquid level in ,f the generator is above the point of connection of conduit I3 therewith, for example, at c,.ancl so that `the liquid level in tbe absorber is above the point of communication of conduit u therewith, for example, at a, and so that there is liquid in the pipes I9 and 3i. Allowance should be made for some liquid in each of the condenser-s.

In the apparatus shown in the drawings which I have built and operated, the height of the absorber (outside dimension) is 10 inches. From this the dimenaions'of, the rest of the apparatus can be determined since all the parts are of circular cross-section and the drawings are made to scale. In this apparatus, when operating it, I have charged it with 1,700 cubic centimeters of ammonia solution of a specific gravity of .92 and 00 about 100 cubic centimeters of liquid propane It will be understood that the amount of iluidy will vary for diilerent sizes and shapes of apparatus and that these ilgures are merely illustrative. Enough propane should-be supplied to Vll the M condenser 2s, chamber so and pipe al. A slight excess may be placed in the apparatus without harming the operation since any excess not in transit will collect in the absorber as, for example, the amount represented by the space between 7 lines a and b.

The operation of this apparatus when charged as described is as follows:

Heat applied to the generator causes ammonia vapor to be expelled vfrom solution. The ammonia vapor passes upwardly in the generator and through conduit Ilto condenser I4. The entrainment orwater vapor with the expelled ammonia vapor is'unavoidable and the rectiiier is providedfto remove this water vapor. The ammonia vapor passes into condenser I4 which 5 is cooled by the cooling water flowing through pipe I5. This condenses the ammonia vapor and the liquid ammonia flows into chamber Il and pipe Il.

At the same time, propane vapor passes up- 10 wardly through conduit 21 from the absorber and is condensed in condenser 2l. '-Ihe liquefied PI'OPne flows into chamber 30 and conduit II.' Liquid columns oi ammonia and propane, respectively, are built up in conduits Isand 3l in 15 the normal operation of the apparatus. Liquid ammonia and! liquid propane enter the evaporator from'condilits is and al emi both these nulos evaporate. forming a gaseous mixture of-propane vapor and Iurnmonia vapor. ture ows vdownwardly through the evaporator and through conduit 22 into the absorber. The part of the absorber below plate 24 contains liquid. TheI gas ilowing through conduit 22 passes upwardly through tube25 and entrains absorp- $5 tion liquid therewith, moving the absorption liquid into the upper part of the absorber. In order to force gas through the tube 25 there must be a higher pressure in the evaporator than in the upper-part of the absorber by an amount measured by the height of liquid or hydrostatic pressure in the absorber 'above the pointv of connection oi conduit 22 thereto and the resistance' to ow in the absorber. This higher pressure is maintained in the evaporator by the liquid coll 'u umns in conduits I9 and3I, and it is the heador hydrostatic pressure of these columns which forces the gas through the tube 25 and which thereby causes circulation-of the absorption liquid. The columns are formed in order-to create 4,0 this pressure. 'I'hey need not be artlilcially formed but form of themselves .when heating and cooling are applied to the apparatus.

.The liquid entering the absorber from the generator through pipe 32 is lean absorbent. weak 4,5 in ammonia, and therefore the ammonia in the gaseous mixture is absorbed by this liquid. In the absorber, the propane becomes separated from the ammonia and passes upwardly through conduit 21. The enriched ammonia solution 50' ilows through conduit 33 to the generator, where the ammonia is driven oil. Weak absorption liquid passes through conduit 32 to the absorber. The pressure created in the evaporator by the liquid columns causes the gas mixture resulting 55 from the complementary diffusion of the ammonia 'and propane iny the evaporator to flow through pipe 22 and flow into liquid in the absorber and 'causes movement of the absorption liquid upwardly in the absorber and downwardly so in the generator. It will be noted that the conneeiionof pipe z2 with the absorber is wen below the surface level of liquid in the absorber. 'Ihe gas entering the absorber bubbles through liquid iny the ,absorber and with the aid of the narrow o5 tube 25 the bubbling gas raises the absorptionliquid to ajlevel such that the absorption liquid after'enrichment can flow by gravity to the gencrater-"through pipe 33. Intimate contact and Ygood absorption ere obtained due to the bubbling 7o of the gas within the liquid body.

Y Any propane not in transit will collect as liquid on the surface of the ammonia solution in the absorber. Due to the heat liberated by -the absorption of the ammonia, such propane can 'i5 This gaseous mix- 20 be brought to again evaporate and thus remove heat from the absorber which is not taken away therefrom by its external cooling.

Such heat removed from the absorber by evaporation of propane liquid collecting on the surface of the ammonia solution in the absorber is transferred to the propane condenser and there given oil .to its cooling medium. 'I'he apparatus can. also be operated by applying heat externally to the absorber. Such heating may be applied when starting the unit the ilrst time in order to quickly bring about the proper distribution of fluid within the system.

Evaporation of liquid ammonia and liquid propane in the evaporator produce refrigeration. The operation oi' this embodiment is continuous, the flow through the various conduits being in one direction continuously.

This system diii'ers from systems using hydrogen as a pressure equalizlng medium in that the propane, which may be considered as replacing hydrogen as the inert gas into which the refrigerant evaporates, not alone provides the gaseous atmosphere into which ammonia evaporates, but also .evaporates itself. Pro-pane, acting as the auxiliary medium is partly gaseous and partly liquid in its circuit. In its gaseous state it is a dense gas relative to, for example, hydrogen, propane (CaHs) having a molecular weight of 44 compared to a molecular weight of 2 for hydro- Y gen. The molecular weight of ammo-nia (NH3) is 17. Air, sometimes suggested as an inert gas for an ammonia diffusion system, is chiefly made up of oxygen having a molecular weight of 32 and nitrogen having a molecular weight of 28. This propane in its gaseous form is heavier or denser than ammonia or air. Propane, like air and hydrogen, is inert with respect to ammonia.

It makes no difference where the fluids are charged into the apparatus, and the propane and ammonia solution may be charged into the same part of the apparatus.

It will be seen that the gas which is used for producing the liquid circulation is cold gas and the production of this gas does not involve any application of heat at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the heat is taken up by the evaporator.

The quantity charged into the apparatus may vary considerably since the level in the generator need not be fixed, nor need the level in the absorber be fixed. It is suflicient that the levels be somewhere between the communication of conduit 33 and the upper part of the respective vessels.

In order that the propane may pass to the propane condenser and condense, the absorber should not be cooled to too great an extent and it need not be cooled at all. Heat is exchanged between the liquid flowing into the generator and the liquid flowing out of the generator. This provides a saving in the amount of heat applied. Conduit 31 equalizes the total pressure in the condensers.

Another form of apparatus embodying the invention is shown in Fig. 2. Like reference characters are used to designate corresponding parts. One example of the fluids which I have used in this apparatus is 2,300 cubic centimeters of ammonia solution of a specic gravity of .905 or 26 per cent concentration and 3 ounces of propane. 'Ihe operation of this apparatus is essentially the same as that of Fig. '1. 'I'he condensers M and 28 are contained in separate tanks l5 and 29, but they may be contained in the same tank.

Coolingwaterismppliedtotankandthen totank Il andthentothecoill aroundthe absorber. As above stated` in connection with Fig. 1. the cooling oi' the absorber may be omitted.

The pipes i9 and '3l are connected into the bottom of the evaporator instead of the' to'p thereof. 'Ihe pipe l22 is connected to the top of the evaporator instead of the bottom thereof. It will be seen that the apparatus of Fig. 2 has a flooded type of evaporator containing a pool il.

or body of liquid refrigerant therein as distinguished from the dry type of evaporator of Fig. 1. it being understood, however, that liquid is held on the discs 2| of the evaporator of Fig. 1.

In the apparatus of Fig. 2 I have provided metal wool 4B in the evaporator between perforated plates 4l therein. Metal wool 42 is also used in the absorber between perforated plates I3 therein. The conduit 22 is connected to the conduit 32. conduit 32 serves to lift liquid upwardly in the absorber and cause'circulation in the same manner as that described in connection with Fig. 1. Liquid columns are formed in the pipes I8 and 3l, a liquid column of ammonia being formed in pipe I9 and of propane being formed in pipe 3l. The head of these columns produces the excess pressure in the evaporator which forces the gaseous mixture of propane and ammonia vapor through conduit 22 and into conduit 32. This produces circulation upwardly in the absorber and downwardly in the generator.

A pool of liquid refrigerant is maintained in both the pressure equalizing fluid circuit, namely in evaporator 20, and in the absorbent circuit, namely in the absorber. The excess pressure in the evaporator caused by the hydrostatic heads of liquid in pipes I9 and 3| -and reacting against the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid column in the absorber causes refrigerant to flow from the evaporator and into the pool of liquid in the absorber and thence in solution to the generator, and causes the absorbent to ilow upwardly in the absorber to such an elevation that it can flow by gravity through pipe 33 to the generator and thence back to the absorber through pipe 32.

`This drawing is likewise to scale. The height of the absorber in the cooling apparatus is 9 inches, fromwhich the dimensions of the other parts can be scaled olf.

Each of the apparatuses described is hermetically sealed and no force is transmitted through the metal of the apparatus. Circulation may be said to be produced by forces generated Within the system.

Still another apparatus is shown inFig. 3. Again, like reference characters designate like parts. This apparatus also may be charged with ammonia, propane and water, although the in vention is not limited to the use of these fluids. The generator l0 comprises a hollow steel shell provided at its bottom end with an inverted cup 50, which is welded or otherwise secured to an opening therein and which is adapted to receive an electric cartridge heating element Il. Ob viously, a gas flame o-r other heating means may be employed in place of the electric heater.

In normal operation, a solution of ammonia circulates through the generator. For conducting the solution into the generator a pipe 5I extends through the lower end of the generator proper and is connected to a small coil of tubing 52, which is wrapped around the inverted cup 50. The upper end of the coil 52 is connected to a vertically extending pipe 53, which may be 'I'he introduction of the gas mixture into lli may be termed thel ammonia cycle 'or main -cir- -reveraely bent at its upper end as shown. By this means when the current passes through the electric heater II, bubbles of ammonia gas are generated in the coil 52. and as they rise through the pipe I3 lii't the solution into the generator Il.

Ammonia vapor passes upwardly to pipe I3 through a rectiier 54, which contains discs,l or bailes Il for removing water vapor which is driven oi! with the ammonia.. The pipe I3 is connected to the ammonia condenser Il. As ammonia is driven oil from solution in the generator, the weak solution is conducted away through the conduit 62.

The condensers Il and 2B may also in this case be of any suitable construction. For purposes of illustration, they are shown as consisting of a small pipe coil inside of a larger one I5, through which latter coil the water is adapted to circulate. The size of the condenser tubing in an apparatus built and operated by me in accordance with this embodiment is approximately of an inch outside diameter with slightly less internal diameter. The condensers should be located a considerable distance above the evaporator so that fluid columns may be formed in the pipes I! and 3i.

'Ihe evaporator, like the other parts, is made of steel and is cylindrical and contains lateral sets of discs 2|. The upper discs are formed with upstanding rims 56 and 51 to provide relatively deep cups for receiving liquid ammonia and propane from the conduits I9 and 3|. The ilanges 51. are circular and provide overflow for the respective liquids onto the lower discs. The fluids evaporate from the respective discs in the evaporator and the evaporated mixture flows out from the evaporator through conduit 22. 'I'he evaporation in the evaporator abstracts heat from the surroundings, thus producing refrigeration. Any liquid which may have been supplied to the evaporator and not vaporized, drains through the conduit 22.

The absorber or separating vessel 23 consists vof a cylindrical drum closed at the ends. It may be cooled by circulating water through the coil 39 secured to the absorber shell. A perforated baille plate 24 is situated near the lower end immediately above the point where the pipe 22 is connected to the absorber. The upper end of the absorber is connected to the upper end of condenser 28 by means of pipe 21, this pipe being of larger diameter than that of the inner conduit of the condenser.

The apparatus may be provided with any suitable charging devices, a,l valve 58 being shown for this purpose at the top of conduit 21.

For supplying absorption liquid to the absorber, a conduit 59 is connected to the absorber as shown. A regulating coil 60 may be placed around a part of conduit 29 through which water of predetermined temperature may be circulated, but this coil is not necessary to operation of the apparatus. The lower end of conduit 59 is connected to an outer jacket 6I of a heat exchanger, the jacket 6I surrounding the conduit 5I. Ihe upper end of the jacket 6I is connected to conduit 62.

For conducting the absorption solution away from the absorber, the pipe 5|, which is connected to the coil 52 of the boiler I0 and which forms the central pipe of the liquid heat exchanger, is connected into the lower end of the absorber.

I'here are three cycles for iluid circulation provided by this construction. One cycle, which cuit, takes place from the generator tl through the rectitler I4, pipe I 3, condenser I4, evaporator 20, absorber 23, conduit 5I, thermosiphon coil 52, and pipe 53, back to the generator. Another cycle, which may be called the propane cycle or propane local circuit, takes place from the absorber 23 through the pipe 21, condenser 28, pipe 3|, evaporator 20 and pipe 22, back to the absorber. The third cycle, which may be called the solution cycle, takes place between the generator and the absorber, the circuit being from .the generator through conduit 62, the outer coil BI ofthe liquid heat exchanger, conduit 59, the absorber 23, and back to the generator through the conduit 5I, coil 52, and pipe 53.

The operation of this apparatus will be clear from the above description and the description of operation given in connection with the previous embodiments. It will be noted particularly in this embodiment that the liquid flowing between the absorber. and the generator is caused to circulate by means of a thermosiphon coil, wherefore the circulation is downwardly in the absorber, instead of upwardly as in the previous embodiments. 'I'he liquid level in the generator is maintained approximately at the top of the riser pipe 53 and preferably somewhat below the,

top of this pipe. 'Ihe liquid level in the absorber is somewhat lower and it may be slightly above the connection ol.' conduit 59 thereto. Liquid flows by gravity from the generator through conduit 62, jacket 6I, and pipe 59. The thermo- Siphon coil draws liquid from the absorber through pipe 5I and lifts it to the upper part of v:..

the generator.

Ammonia vapor passes upwardly from the generator and entrained water vapor is removed in the rectiiier, the ammonia vapor passing through conduit I3 to the ammonia condenser I4, where it is condensed due to the cooling water flowing in the jacket of this condenser. The liquid ammonia passes into the liquid column pipe I9 and thus nds its way to the evaporator. Propane vapor leaves the upper part of the absorber and passes through conduit 21` into the propane condenser 28. The propane ilows downwardly through pipe 3| and into the evaporator. The propane and ammonia evaporate in the evaporator and ow through conduit 22 into the r absorber. 'I'he propane in part liquees in the absorber and there is alpool of propane on the ammonia solution in the absorber. 'I'he apparatus may be operated without any cooling of the absorber, as described in connection with the other embodiments. It is necessary to maintain at least the upper portion of the absorber at a. temperature higher than that of the condenser 28. This difference of temperature need only be suilicient to insure vaporization of propane in the absorber and condensation in the condenser. Cooling water may be circulated through the coil 39 though, as before stated, I have found that this is not necessary when operating at ordina-ry room temperature, in such case the temperature of the air, relative to the cooling water, being suihcient to maintain the necessary temperature dilerence.

Since it is impossible to entirely separate uids, there will be some ammonia gas in the propane condenser and some propane gas in the ammonia condenser. These gases are readily carried out by the uids in these pipes and I have found that the operation of the apparatus is not impaired on account of this condition,

f wherefore the dimensions of the various partscan' minion In the apparatus operated by me from which Pig. 3 is' reproduced, the external height of the absorber is 12 inches. 'Ihe drawing is to scale.

be readily computed.

I have charged this apparatus with 4,300 cubic centimeters of ammonia solution of a specific gravity of .92 and 9 ounces of propane.

Obviously, the charging of the apparatus is merely a question of volumetric calculation. 'I'he apparatus may be purged of air by application of heat or by vacuum.

In Fig. 4 I have shown still another form of apparatus which I have operated. Again, in this case like reference characters designate like parts. In this apparatus, as built, the h eight from the bottom of the generator to the top of the vrectiiler is 40% inches. The drawing is to scale, wherefore the dimensions of the'parts can be readily determined. In this case the heat exchanger between the generator and the absorber is omitted and the pipe 33 is bent in the form of a trap to prevent passage of gas. 'I'he general direction of circulation is the same as in Figs. 1 and 2, namely, upwardly in the absorber, and downwardly in the generator. I provide a tube 64 attached to the side of the generator into which an electric heater may be inserted for heating the same. 'I'he pipe 32 is restricted in order to control theV circulation. The rate of circulation canobviously be controlled by dimensioning the size of the pipe or by placing a valve in the pipe and adjusting the valve until the rate is satisfactory. In this case I have made the pipe 32 of 0f an inch outside diameter, #17 gage.

In operation of this apparatus I have lfound that the circulation sometimes reverses itself between the generator and the absorber. 'Ihis reversal can assist in evaporating propane from the surface of the ammonia solution in the absorber, due to the warm solution passing through the pipe 33. Thus the pipe 33 constitutes a means for heating the upper part' of the absorber for vaporizing the propane therein. The ammonia i condenser is placed lower than the propane condenser on account of the dierence in specific weight of propane and ammonia. It is desirable to so arrange the heights of the ammonia and propane condensers above the evaporator that the liquid columns will extend somewhat into the condensers. The liquid level in the evaporator stands at the level of pipe 22 and there may be an overflow of liquid from the evaporator through the conduit 22.

With this apparatus it is possible to vaporize the liquid propane from the top of the .absorber intermittently, the solution owing rst in one direction and then the other.

I have operated this apparatus with '175 cubic lcentimeters ammonia solution of .93 specific gravity and 25 grams of propane.

It will be obvious that cabinets for cooling materials may be disposed around the evaporators of jl', the various rerigerating apparatuses. Also, it

will be understood that the data with respect to any of the embodiments is applicable to the othc embodiments.

What I claim is:

1. Refrigerating apparatus adapted to produce cooling eiect by the evaporation of ammonia and propane including an evaporator in which said ammonia and propane may simultaneously evapcrate, an absorber in which the ammonia may be absorbed by an absorption liquid, means for cool- V ing the lower portion Ioftlie absorber. andmesnsfor hestingtheupperportion-ofthcab sorbertovaporiaeliquid-propanetherein 2. Reuma-aan; apparsa sdapteato'pmsaee cooling efl'ect by theevaporation of a-maln refrigerant and an auxiliary refrigerant. said abparatus including-arr evaporator in which said refrigerants may evaporate, an absorber in; which the main refrigerant isabsorbed by an absorption liquid, a generator for expelling the main refrigerant from the absorption liquid, a condenser for said main refrigerant connected between said generator and said evaporator, a condenser for said auxiliary refrigerant connected between said absorber and said evaporator and' means for causing the auxiliary agent to pass through a cycle in which it is vaporized in the evaporator, liqueiied in the lower portion of the absorber, again vaporized in the upper portion of the absorber, again liqueed in the condenser and returned to the evaporator.

3. Refrigerating apparatus adapted to produce a cooling eifect by the evaporation of a main re frigerant and an auxiliary refrigerant, said apparatus including an evaporator in which said refrigerants may evaporate, an absorber in which the main refrigerant is absorbed by an absorption' liquid, a generator for expelling the main refrigerant from the absorption liquid, a condenser for said main refrigerant connected between said generator and said evaporator, a condenser for said `auxiliary refrigerant connected between said absorber and said evaporator and means for causing the auxiliary agent to' pass through a cycle in which it is vaporlzed'in the evaporator,- liquefied in the lower'portion of the absorber. again vaporized -in the upper portion of the absorber, again liquefied in the condenser and returned tothe evaporator, said means including a device for cooling fluids in the lower portion of the absorber and a device for heating uids in the upper portion of the absorber.

4. In an absorption refrigerating system employing two refrigerants, an absorber, means for conducting a gaseous mixture of the'refrigerants into said absorber, means for conducting a solvent for one of said rcfrigerants into said absorber and means for heating one portion and. cool another portion of said absorber. Y

5. In an absorption refrigerating system em,

ploying two refrigerants, an absorber, means for conducting agaseous mixture of the refrigerants into said absorber, means for conducting a solvent for one of said refrigerants into said absorber and means for maintaining the upper portion of said absorber at a higher temperature than the lower portion thereof:

6. In absorption the method of circulating the auxiliary pressure refrigerating apparatus adapted to employ a main refrigerant and an` auxiliary pressure equalizing agent, th'e combination with an absorber, a condenser, annevapequalizing agent between the absorber and the evaporator which consista in vaporizing the agent in the evaporator, liquefying the same in the absorber, applying heat to a portion of the absorber to vaporize the auxiliary agent and condensing the auxiliary agent at a level above the evaporator whereby it may flow back into the evaporator to convey one of said refrigerants to said generator, means for cooling a portion of said separating vessel to cause the other of said refrigerants to condense therein and form a layer on top of the absorption solution therein, means for heating said generator and a portion of said separating vessel to vaporize the refrigerants and means for condensing said refrigerants and returning them to said evaporator.

9. In a refrigerating system of the absorption type employing two refrigerants, means for causing one of said refrigerants to pass through a cycle in which it is separated from an absorption solution by the application of heat, condensed, evaporated to produce a cooling effect and returned to the absorption solution and means for causing the other of said refrigerants to pass through a cycle in which it is vaporized from a liquid phase by the application of heat, condensed and evaporated with the iirst mentioned refrigerant for the production of cooling eifect and again changed to a liquid phase.

10. In a refrigerating system employing a plurality of refrigerants, a vessel for separating said refrigerants after they have become mixed and means for heating a portion of said vessel to vaporize one of said refrigerants.

l1. In an absorption refrigerating system employing a plurality of refrigerants, a vessel for separating said refrigerants and means for heating a portion of said vessel to vaporize one of said refrigerants, said means consisting of a conduit adapted to convey an absorption solution to a portion of said vessel.

12. The method of producing refrigeration including the steps of feeding a plurality of refrigerants in liquid phase into an evaporator, conducting the vaporized refrigerants from the evaporatir into a separating vessel, changing the refrigerants to more dense iluid phase in said vessel and separating the same by gravity.

13. The method of producing refrigeration including the steps of feeding two different refrigerants in liquid phases into an evaporator, conducting the vaporized refrigerants from the evaporator into a separating vessel, changing the refrigerants to more dense uid phase in said vessel, separating the same by gravity, vaporizing each refrigerant after it has been separated from the other, condensing said refrigerants separately and again feeding them into the evaporator.

14. A refrigerating system including two refrigerants, a solution adapted to absorb one of said refrigerants but not the other and having a different specific gravity than the refrigerant not absorbed, an evaporator in which both of said refrigerants evaporate to produce cooling effect, a separating vessel, means for conducting a vapor mixture of said refrigerants into said vessel,V means for circulating said solution through the separating vessel to thereby cause the solution to absorb one refrigerant so that the other may condense in said vessel and separate from the solution by gravity and means for returning the refrigerants so separated into the evaporator in liquid form.

l5. In refrigerating apparatus, an externally heated vessel, an externally unheated vessel, and means to intermittently circulate liquid between said vessels to transfer heat from the heated vessel to the unheated vessel-to vaporize fluid-in the unheated vessel.

16. In refrigerating apparatus of the type having an absorber, the improvement which consists of forming a pool of liquid refrigerant in the absorber, and introducing warm absorption liquid into the absorber to vaporize said refrigerant liquid.

17. Absorption refrigerating apparatus of the kind employing a pressure compensating fluid including a generator, a condenser, an evaporator adapted to hold a pool of liquid, and an absorber, and conduits connecting the same to form a main circuit for refrigerant through generator, condenser, evaporator and absorber, a rst local circuit for absorption liquid through generator and absorber, and a second local circuit for pressure compensating iiuid through evaporator and absorber, said system including means to build up sufficient pressure in said second local circuit to cause the pressure compensating uid to recirculate therein and to pass through liquid of said pool in the evaporator due to said pressure and to cause circulation of absorption liquid between the generator and the absorber due to said pressure.

18. Absorption refrigerating apparatus of the kind employing a pressure compensating uid including a generator, a condenser, an evaporator adapted to hold a pool of liquid, and an absorber adapted to hold a pool of liquid, and conduits connecting the same to form a main circuit for refrigerant through generator, condenser, evaporator and absorber, a first local circuit for absorption liquid through generator and absorber, and a second local circuit for pressure compensating uid through evaporator and absorber, said system including means to build up pressure in said second local circuit to cause pressure compensating iiuid to recirculate therein and to pass through liquid of the pool in the evaporator and liquid of the pool in the absorber due to said pressure and to cause circulation of absorption liquid between the generator and the absorber due to said pressure.

19. Absorption refrigerating apparatus of the kind employing a pressure compensating fluid including a generator, a condenser, an evaporator adapted to hold a pool of liquid, and an absorber adapted to hold a pool of liquid, and conduits connecting the same to form a main circuit for refrigerant through generator, condenser, evaporator and absorber, a rst local circuit for absorption liquid through generator and absorber, and a second local circuit for pressure compensating fluid through evaporator and absorber, said system including means to build up sufficient pressure in said second local circuit to cause pressure compensating fluid to recirculate therein and to pass through liquid of the pool in the evaporator and liquid of the pool in said absorber due to said pressure, and additional means to cause circulation between said generator and said absorber due to said pressure.

20.` Absorption refrigerating apparatus of the kind employing a pressure compensating fluid including a generator, a condenser, an evaporator in which the bulk of refrigerant is evaporated, and an absorber, and conduits connecting the same to form a main circuit for refrigerant through generator, condenser, evaporator and absorber, a first local circuit for absorption liquid through generator and absorber, and a second local circuit for pressure compensating fluid through evaporator and absorber, said system including means to build up pressure in said second local circuit against a liquid head to cause pressure compensating fluid to recirculate therein and means to cause circulation between the generator and absorber due to the pressure built up in said second local circuit, said second cir-v cuit constituting the sole means for conducting pressure compensating fluid from the evaporator to the absorber.

21. Absorption refrigerating apparatus of the kind employing a pressure compensating fluid including a generator, a condenser, an evaporator adapted to hold a pool of liquid, and an absorber, and conduits connecting the same to form a main circuit for refrigerant through generator, condenser, evaporator and absorber, a first local circuit for absorption liquid through generator and absorber, and a second local circuit for pressure compensating fluid through evaporator and absorber, said system including means to build up sufficient pressure in fluid passing to the evaporator to cause such fluid to recirculate in said second local circuit'and pass through liquid of the pool in the evaporator and to cause circulation of absorption liquid between the generator and the absorber vdue to vsaid pressure;

22. Absorption refrigerating apparatus of the kind employing a pressure compensating fluid including a generator, a condenser, an evaporator adapted to hold a pool of liquid, and an absorber adapted to hold a pool of liquid, and conduits connecting the same to form a main circuit for refrigerant through generator, condenser, evaporator and absorbera first local circuit for absorption liquid through generator and absorber, and 'a second local circuit for pressure compensating uid through evaporator and absorber, said systemincluding means to build up suiiicient pressure in fluid passing to the evaporator to cause such iiuid to recirculate in said second local circuit and to pass through liquid of the pool in the evaporatorl and to pass through liquid of the pool in the absorber and to cause circulation of absorption liquid between the generator and the absorber due to said pressure.

23. Absorption refrigerating apparatus of the kind employing a pressure compensating uid including a generator, a condenser, an evaporator, and an absorber, and conduits connecting the same to form a main circuit for refrigerant through generator, condenser, evaporator and absorber, a first local circuit for absorption liquid through generator and absorber, and a second local circuit for pressure compensating fluid through evaporator and absorber, said system including means to build up pressure in fluid flowing in said second local circuit against a liquid column head to cause the same to recirculate in said second local circuit and means for producing circulation between the generator and the absorber due to said pressure.

24. A process of refrigerating which includes expelling a refrigerant from absorption liquid, condensing the refrigerant, evaporating the condensed refrigerant in the presence of an auxiliary agent, conductingrefrigerant and auxiliary agent into the presence of the absorption liquid, lreoration, raising the pressure of fluid flowing to the place of evaporation, causing circulation of fluid between the place -of evaporation and the place of absorption due'to said pressure while passing auxiliary agent both through liquid in the place of evaporation and the place of absorption, and causing circulation between the place of expulsion and the place of absorption due to said pressure.

2,5. In an absorption system of the kind employing a pressure compensating fluid including a generator, a condenser, an evaporator adapted to hold a pool of liquid, and an absorber, and conduits connecting the same to form a main circuit for refrigerant through generator, condenser, evaporator and absorber, a first local circuit for an absorption liquid through generator and absorber, and a second local circuit for pressure compensating fluid through evaporator and absorber, that improvement which consists in raising pressure of fluid in its path of flow in said second local circuit, causing pressure compensating fluid to pass upwardly through liquid in the evaporator due to said pressure and causing circulationl of absorption liquid in said first local circuit due to said pressure.

'26. In an absorption system of the kind employing a pressure compensating fluid including a generator, a condenser, an evaporator, and an absorber, and conduits connecting the same to form a main circuit for refrigerant through generator, condenser, evaporator and absorber, a first local circuit for an absorption liquid through generator and absorber, anda second local circuit for pressure compensating fluid through evaporator and absorber, that improvement which consists in raising pressure of fluid in its path of flow in said second local circuit, causing pressure compensating fluidV to iiow upwardly through liquid in said evaporator and said absorber due to said pressure and causing circulation of absorption liquid in said first local circuit due to said pressure.

27. In a continuous absorption refrigeration system of the kind employing a pressure equalizing fluid, the combination of a generator, an absorber, an evaporator, conduits for circulat- .ing the pressure equalizing fluid between the evaporator and absorber, means for raising the pressure in one of said conduits to a total pressure above the pressure of gas in the evaporator and means for circulating absorption liquid between the generator and absorber and utilizing the raised pressure to promote the liquid circulation.

28. In refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type, a first element for producing a vapor mixture, a second element, means to conduct said vapor mixture to said second element, means to conduct absorption liquid to said second element, said s econd element constituting a condenser for one of the constituents of said vapor mixture, a separate condenser, a conduit connecting said separate condenser with said second element, and means to re-evaporate the vapor constituent condensed in said second element.

29. The method of producing refrigeration including the steps of vaporizing a plurality of refrigerants in the presence of each other, conducting the vapors to the presence of absorption turning the auxiliary agent to the place of evapliquid, absorbing one refrigerant and condensing 15 anotherinthe presence of the absorption liquid.'

-cluding the steps of vaporizing a plurality of rel'rigerants in-the presence ofeach other, conducting the vapors to the presence of absorption liquid. absorbing one refrigerant and condensing another in the presence of the absorption liquid, separating the condensed and absorbed refrigerants by gravity, expelling absorbed refrigerant from solution and condensing the same, and again conducting the refrigerants into the presence of each other.

3l. In absorption refrigerating apparatus, an evaporator containing a plurality of immisciblc refrigerants, absorbing means containing liquid adapted to absorb one refrigerant and not another, means to cool said absorbing means to condense unabsorbed refrigerant, whereby the absorbed and condensed refrigerant-s are separated by gravity, means to remove the condensed and alorbed refrigerants from the presence of each other, and means to return the refrigerante to the evaporator.

32, That improvement in the art of refrigerating through the agency of an `absorption sys- .-tem including a generator, an evaporator and an them and containing a plurality of complemen- `tary diffusing agencies in the evaporator which consists in creating a liquid column pressure head within the system, producing circulation between the generator and absorber due to said head and maintaining a lower pressure in said generator than in said evaporator due to said head by an amount determined by said head.

33. Absorption refrigerating apparatus cornprising a generator, a condenser connected to said generator, an evaporator situated below said condenser, a conduit extending vertically between said condenser and said evaporator for flow of liquid from said condenser into said evaporator having a lower opening within said evaporator at a lower portion thereof and arranged to hold a column of liquid serving to maintain a higher pressure in said evaporator than in said condenser, an absorber connected to said evaporator, and means for circ-ulating absorption liquid between the generator and absorber due to pressure exerted by said liquid column.

34. Absorption refrigerating apparatus comprisng a generator, a condenser connected to said generator, an evaporator situated below said condenser, a conduit extending vertically between said condenser and said evaporator for ow of liquid from said condenser into said evaporator having a lower opening within said evaporator at a lower portion thereof and arranged to hold a column of liquid serving to maintain a higher pressure in said evaporator than in said condenser, an absorber, means to circulate an auxiliary agent between and through the evaporator and absorber and means to circulate absorption liquid between and through the generator and absorber due to pressure exerted by said liquid column.

refrigerant below theliquid level of the'body, and flowing the resulting gas mixture by bubbling in solution in said absorber to cause circulation of. the solution between said absorber and generator and absorption of refrigerant vapor.

36. In an absorption refrigeration system, an absorber comprising a closed vessel divided into upper and lower chambers, a conduit within said vessel open at the lower end in said lower chamber, and at the upper end in said upper chamber, a generator, a connection for liquid from said generator to the lower chamber of said absorber, a return conduit from the upper chamber of said absorber to said generator, an evaporator, and means for circulating gas from said evaporator upwardly through said conduit in the absorber. f 37. In a method of refrigeration which includes distillation of' refrigerant fluid from solution in an absorption liquid in a heated `zone, evaporation and diffusion of the distilled refrig.- erant iluid due to the presence of a complementary fluid, and absorption oi' refrigerant fluid out of the complementary fluid into absorption liquid withdrawn from said heated zone, that improvement which consists in causing positive circulation of complementary fluid in bubble form within both refrigerant liquid and weakened absorption liquid; and utilizing the bubbling of gas within the absorption liquid to raise the liquid to a level from which it may ow by gravity to said heated zone.

38. A method of refrigeration which includes maintaining a body of absorption liquid in a heated zone to cause expulsion of refrigerant fluid dissolved therein, liquefying the expelled refrigerant fluid, evaporating and diffusing the liquid refrigerant by presence of a complementary fluid, withdrawing absorption liquid from said heated zone, cooling the Withdrawn absorption liquid, bubbling all of the gas formed by evaporation into the cooled absorption liquid to cause absorption of refrigerant duid out of the gas into the absorption liquid and elevation of the resulting enriched absorption liquid to a level from which it may flow to said heated zone by gravity.

39. The method of refrigeration which comprises, maintaining a body of liquid refrigerant, introducing an inert volatile fluid into said body below the liquid level of the body to cause evaporation and diffusion of refrigerant into the volatile fluid, flowing the resulting gas mixture by bubbling within a quantity of liquid absorbent for the Vrefrigerant in a cooled zone, utilizing the ow of gas to cause circulation of the liquid absorbent between the cooled zone and a heated zone, and distilling refrigerant from absorbent .in the heated zone to maintain said body of refrigerant.

40. A method of refrigeration which includes maintaining a. body of absorption liquid in a heated zone, conducting absorption liquid from' said heated zone to a cooled zone in a manner so that absorption liquid is maintained in said cooled zone in a body having substantially the same surface level as that in said heated zone, maintaining a body of liquid refrigerant by distillation from absorption liquid in said heated zone, introducing a complementary fluid under pressure below the surface level of said body of refrigerant, circulating gaseous fluid from above the body of liquid refrigerant under suillcient pressure to cause it to bubble into absorption liquid from said cooled zone after first flowing in contact with said liquid refrigerant, and utilizing lll awww' the bubbling gas to raisel absorption liquid to a level above that in said zones from which higher level the liquid may now by gravity to said heated 41;'That method of operating, an absorption refrigeration system which includes applying heat to rich absorbent medium to liberate a refrigerant fbr subsequent use in7 producing refrigeration,

' removing and elevating the resultant'lean absorbent to an elevated absorption zone by means of a stream of dense linert gas.'condensing the refrigerant and evaporating the' refrigerant in the presence vof a dense inert gas.

42. *In* the method of operating an absorption `refrigeration system of the type employing a refrigerant, an absorbent therefor. and a dense fluid l inert vth respect to the refrigerant comprising,

applying heat to rich absorbentto liberate the refrigerant, in gaseous form, transforming the gaseous refrigerant to the liquid phase, permitting the liquid refrigerant to evaporate into said dense fluid to produce refrigeration, saidm'ethod being characterized by the fact that the lean absorbent produced in the heating zone is elevated to an absorption zone above the heating zone by a propelled stream of refrigerant-carrying dense fluid in which absorption zone the refrigerant is absorbed. and the enriched absorbent is returned to the heating zone by gravity and the dense fluid is returned to the evaporation zone.

43. That improvement in the art of refrigeration accomplished by the aid of a refrigerantl medium, an absorbent therefor, and a' dense pressure equalizing uid, which consists in generating refrigerant gas from rich absorbent. raising impoverished absorbent to an elevated point by means of a pressure actuated stream of fluid including dense pressure equalizing fluid, enriching said absorbent by bringing the same into in timate absorbing relation with refrigerant medium, and returning at least part of the enriched absorbent to the upper portion of the liquid in a generating zone whereby the relatively cold enriched absorbent acts to condense gaseous por- -tions of the absorbent which may be passing oif along with the refrigerant gas being generated.

44. That improvement in the art of refrigeration by the use of a three fluid absorption system which consists in generating a refrigerant gas for subsequent use in producing refrigeration from'rich absorbent in a generating zone, conducting impoverished absorbent from the generating zone to an-absorption zone thereabove by means of a pressure actuated stream of fluid including a dense inert gas, enriching said absorbent by bringing the same into intimate absorbing relation with refrigerant gas, returning the enriched absorbent to a generating zone by gravity, condensing the refrigerant gas and evaporating the refrigerant in the presence of dense inert gas.

45. A method of refrigeration which includes maintaining-a body of absorption liquid in a heated zone, conducting absorption liquid from said heated zone to a cooled zone, maintaining a body of liquid refrigerant by distillation from absorption liquid in said heated zone, producing refrigeration by complementary diffusion of refrigerant from said body and a complementary fluid while introducing the complementary fluid below the surface level of refrigerant liquid, flowing the combined gases resulting from said production of refrigeration in contact with absorption liquid from said cooled zone, and utilizing the combined gases to raise the absorption liquid to a 'level `frein which the -llquid may flow by gravity-to said vheated zone. l f 46. Absorption refrigerating apparatus of the kind employing a pressurev compensating fluid including a generator, a condenser. an evaporator, an absorber, and conduits connecting said parts 4to form a main circuit for, refrigerant through generator, condenser. evaporator and absorber, a nrst local circuit for absorption liquid through generator and absorber and a second local circuit for compensating fluid through absorber and evaporator, said system being operative to maintain a hcadimposing quantityof liquid in each of said local` circuits, and said system including means to build up sufcient pressure in said second local circuit to cause pressure compen` sating iiuid to now therein and to cause absorption liquid to ilow in said rst local circuit and to cause compensatingiiuid to pass through said head imposing liquid.

47. An absorption type refrigeration system includinga generator, an absorber, an evaporator ladapted to hold a body of'liquid refrigerant, a

conduit for weakened absorption liquid from saidy generator to said absorber and arranged so that liquid is contained in said absorber and said, generator at substantially the same surface level, I means for circulating inert volatile fluid between said evaporator and absorber against `a liquid column head while introducing the inert fluid below the surface level of liquid refrigerant in the evaporatorand constructed and arranged so that gas formed in the evaporator is under sufficient pressure to cause it to flow upwardly into liquid in said absorber in bubble form, means utilizing the bubbling gas for raising liquid in said absorber to a level above that in said generator and absorber, and means for conducting liquid from said higher (level to said generator.

48. That improvement in the art of refrigeration accomplished by the aid of a refrigerant medium, an absorbent therefor, and a dense pressure equalizing fluid, which consists in raising portions of the lean absorbent medium to an elevated point by means of propelled fluid including said pressure equalizing fluid, exposing said lean absorbent medium to refrigerant gas, thereafter separately applying heat to expel refrigerant gas from the absorbent medium, and then separately condensing the expelled refrigerant.

49. That improvement in the art of refrigeration by the use of a three fluid absorption system of the type employing a refrigerant medium, an absorbent therefor, and a pressure equalizing fluid, and having a refrigerant medium circuit, an absorbent circuit, and a pressure equalizing fluid circuit, which improvement consists in creating a pressure difference reacting against hydrostatic pressure, maintaining a pool of liquid refrigerant in the pressure equalizing fluid circuit, maintaining a pool of absorption liquid in the absorbent circuit, and utilizing said pressure difference to circulate liquid refrigerant through an absorbent therefor, and a pressure equalizine 1 O l nm; and having d. rerngerut mediumunsung uid circuit, which improvement consists' increating a pressure -difference reacting against hydrostatic pressure,maintainlng` a pool of liq'uid refrigerant in the pressure equalizing iiuid cir'- cuit, maintaining a -poo'rof'absorption liquid 1n the absorbent circuit, and utilizing said pressure difference to circulate -liquid refrigerant through at least a part of said refrigerant medium circuit, to introduce pressure equalizing iiuid into the lpool of4 liquid refrigerant below the surface level thereof, to introduce gaseous iiuid into the pool Aof absorption Iiq'u'id .below the surface level -siwgovv- 51. 'nm-c improvement 1n the' 'art of :ferngeration by the use o1' a three iluid absorption system oi' the type employing a.l refrigerant medium, an absorbent therefor, and a dense pressure eqalizing uidr and having a'refrigerant medium circuit, .an absorbent circuit, and a pressure equailzing fluid circuit, which improvement con= sists in creating a pressure'diii'erence reacting against hydrostatic pressure, and utilizing said pressure difference to circulate liquid refrigerant through at least a part 'of said refrigerant medium circuit, and to circulate said absorbent through at least a. `part of said absorbent circuit,

the arrangement being such that said absorbent will flow through the remainder of said absorbent circuit by gravity.

\ ALVAR LENNING.

- CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,199,077. v April 5o, 19u07.

` ALVAR LENNING.

\It is hereby certified, that error appears inthe printed specification of the above numbered patentrequiring correction as follows: Page 8, first column, line 52, claim 52, before "them" insert the words --absorber conf nected to afford .circulation bet'ween--; and that the said Letters Patent should, be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case -in the Patent Office.

signed and sealed this 18th day of4 June, A. D. 191m.

Henry Van Arsdale Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

